ABINGDON, Md. (WJZ)– It’s a day nearly three years in the making. The new Route 24 bridge in Harford County is finally open.

Andrea Fujii explains the road is now safer for the thousands of drivers who use it everyday.

The new Route 24 bridge used to be a four-way intersection. But now, nearly $40 million later, drivers can breeze on through. It’s a welcome relief for the tens of thousands of motorists who drive to and from Bel Air everyday.

“It was smooth. It was nice. It’s good to see it completed,” one driver said.

The new Route 24 bridge off of I-95 goes over MD-924 or Emmorton Road, and replaces a four-way intersection.

“It’s mostly time-consuming for red lights,” said one driver. “That’s what I’m hoping to bypass because normally, it’s 10 minutes at every red light.”

The Maryland Transportation Authority started the 1.5 mile-long project three years ago in hopes of making the area safer and less congested.

“That allows them quicker commute time. We have heard reports that people had saved 10-15 minutes of their time this morning,” said MDTA spokesperson Terry Moss.

With no traffic light, drivers can get right on I-95, but the project is still a work in progress. On I-95 North near the exit in Bel Air, there’s no clear signage yet. You stay to the left and it takes you to the new Route 24 bridge. The right takes you to MD-924. WJZ noticed some drivers getting confused. One even crossed over at the last minute.

But residents are optimistic because they say as the Abingdon and Bel Air areas grow, so must the roads.

“I think the bridge is going to be a plus for the community,” said one driver.

Another improvement: the lights under the bridge on MD-924 are now timed.

The entire project is expected to be completed in the next several months.